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05/30/2008 - Roadcheck 2008 Set for June 3 to 5
Roadcheck 2008 — the annual 72-hour commercial motor vehicle safety blitz — will be held June 3 to 5 on highways throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. This year’s round-the-clock safety initiative will involve approximately 10,000 Federal, state and local inspectors at local inspection sites and in roving patrols throughout North America.
Each year inspectors hand out multiple citations and place thousands of drivers and vehicles out-of-service during Roadcheck. In 2007, inspectors performed 62,370 inspections — the most in the 20-year history of the event. This included nearly 50,000 Level I Inspections, which are the most comprehensive type of roadside inspection.
The number of drivers placed out-of-service during Roadcheck 2007 was 6.2% — the highest number since 1999. Nearly 70% of the drivers who were placed out-of-service violated the Hours of Service rules. Meanwhile, the number of drivers placed out-of-service for being in violation of the drug and alcohol rules increased to 1.5% of the total, up from 0.9% in 2006.
Nearly 22% of the vehicles inspected during Roadcheck 2007 were placed out-of-service. Brake problems accounted for 54% of total vehicle deficiencies, down from 57% in 2006. Lighting distribution violations increased to 14% of the total, while cargo securement violations increased to 10% of the total.
During Roadcheck 2007, nearly 80% of the inspections conducted were North American Standard Level I Inspections. The Federal, state and local inspectors are expected to be equally vigilant this year. The 37-point Level I safety inspections generally take 45 to 60 minutes to perform. These inspections focus on the following key areas:
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Alcohol and drug use
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Driver’s license and other applicable documents ( e.g., medical examiner’s certificate, skill performance evaluation, shipping papers, etc.)
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Seat belt use
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Log books, vehicle inspection reports and supporting documentation
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Brake systems
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Coupling devices
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Exhaust and fuel systems
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Frames and suspension
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Lighting devices (e.g., turn signals, brake lamps, tail lamps, etc.)
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Steering mechanism
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Tires, wheels and rims
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Windshield wipers
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Safe loading
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Emergency exits for buses
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Hazardous materials compliance (if applicable)
This year marks the 21st annual Roadcheck event, which is sponsored each year by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other U.S. as well as Canadian and Mexican agencies. Look for Roadcheck 2008 results in a future Foley Services’ web article.
Prepare for Roadside Inspections with Our New Guide
Foley Services has just released What to Expect During a Roadside Inspection. This 19-page guide helps familiarize motor carriers and their drivers with the inspection process and explores the most common reasons why drivers and vehicles are placed out-of-service. To receive the special Roadcheck 2008 rate of $19, click here or call 1-800-253-5506 x707 or email Sales@FoleyServices.com. (Quantity discounts are available.)
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